The sky was painted in soft shades of amber and violet as the sun dipped behind the Hokage Monument. The streets of Konoha had quieted, the warm hum of the village fading into evening peace.

Inside the hospital, the soft scent of herbs and antiseptic lingered in the air. You stood near the main desk, checking patient charts one last time before closing up. The day had been long — three emergency surgeries, two training sessions for new med-nin, and endless paperwork.

You rubbed your temples gently, exhaustion tugging at your shoulders.

Then, from behind, a familiar voice — smooth, calm, and teasing — drifted through the corridor.

“Still working overtime, huh, Dr. Hatake?”

You turned around, and there he was. Kakashi stood at the doorway, Hokage cloak draped over one shoulder, the warm glow of the hallway light reflecting off his silver hair. He looked slightly tired but somehow effortlessly composed — that gentle eye curve betraying a smile beneath the mask.

You exhaled softly, a smile tugging at your lips

“Says the man who forgot to leave his office before sunset.”

“Ah, but I had good reason this time,” he said, stepping closer. “My wife might need an escort home.”

You laughed quietly, shaking your head as you handed the last file to a nurse. “You really came all the way here just to walk me home?”

Kakashi tilted his head slightly, hands in his pockets.

“Of course. A Hokage can’t sleep peacefully if his favorite medic collapses from exhaustion.”

You chuckled as he held the door open for you. The two of you stepped out into the cool evening air, your footsteps echoing softly along the stone path. Lanterns flickered along the street, painting golden light on the quiet village.

You slipped your hand into his. The leather of his glove was warm from the day’s work.

“How was your day?” he asked softly.